Saudi Maaden Doubles Profits in Second Quarter of 2024

The Maaden Aluminum Station in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
The Maaden Aluminum Station in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
TT

Saudi Maaden Doubles Profits in Second Quarter of 2024

The Maaden Aluminum Station in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
The Maaden Aluminum Station in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

The net profits of the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) doubled by approximately 192 percent to one billion riyals ($266 million) during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 350.9 million ($93 million) during the same period last year.

In a statement on Tadawul, the company attributed the growth to the increase in total profit by 35 percent to SAR 572 million as a result of the rise in selling prices, the decrease in the cost of raw materials, and depreciation expenses.

In addition, an insurance claim of SAR 270 million and a one-off severance charge of SAR 192 million contributed to the higher profit, the company stated.

This increase in net profit was partially offset by a decrease in sales volume for all products, except for basic aluminum, flat rolled products and gold.

Sales increased by 3 percent to SAR 7.1 billion, compared to SAR 6.9 billion in the same period of 2023.

“We delivered a strong first half of 2024, demonstrating our ability to realize the benefits of operational efficiencies in a stable environment,” Maaden CEO Bob Wilt said.

He continued: “Our large-scale Phosphate 3 project is progressing, with construction underway, and we are moving forward with a new aluminum recycling plant at Ras Al-Khair.”

“Additionally, the successful completion of our investment in Vale Base Metals through Manara, is set to increase our exposure to green metals,” Wilt underlined, adding: “Our strategic partnerships and technology-led innovation programs are fast-tracking mineral discoveries through the world’s largest greenfield exploration program of its kind.”



US Treasury's Bessent Urges IMF, World Bank to Refocus on Core Missions

 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to the Institute of International Finance Global Outlook Forum at the Willard Hotel in Washington. (AP)
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to the Institute of International Finance Global Outlook Forum at the Willard Hotel in Washington. (AP)
TT

US Treasury's Bessent Urges IMF, World Bank to Refocus on Core Missions

 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to the Institute of International Finance Global Outlook Forum at the Willard Hotel in Washington. (AP)
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to the Institute of International Finance Global Outlook Forum at the Willard Hotel in Washington. (AP)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday called on the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to refocus on their core missions of macroeconomic stability and development, arguing that they have strayed too far into vanity projects such as climate change that have reduced their effectiveness.

Bessent, in remarks outlining his vision for US engagement with the IMF and World Bank on the sidelines of the institutions' spring meetings, said that they serve critical roles in the international financial system.

"And the Trump administration is eager to work with them - so long as they can stay true to their missions," Bessent said in prepared remarks to the Institute of International Finance.

"The IMF and World Bank have enduring value. But mission creep has knocked these institutions off course. We must enact key reforms to ensure the Bretton Woods institutions are serving their stakeholders - not the other way around," he said, calling on US allies to join the effort. "America First does not mean America alone."

Bessent said the IMF needed to focus on its key mandate and adhere to strong standards in its lending.

"The IMF was once unwavering in its mission of promoting global monetary cooperation and financial stability. Now it devotes disproportionate time and resources to work on climate change, gender, and social issues. These issues are not the IMF's mission."

"And sometimes, the IMF needs to say 'No.' The organization has no obligation to lend to countries that fail to implement reforms."

Bessent added that the World Bank must be "tech-neutral and prioritize affordability in energy investment. In most cases, this means investing in gas and other fossil fuel-based energy production."

He added that it could also finance renewable energy projects along with systems to manage energy latency in wind and solar.